Heavy snow falls across wide areas facing Sea of Japan

Heavy snow was forecast over northern and western parts of the country facing
the Sea of Japan on Dec. 26 and warnings were issued urging residents to be
vigilant against snow storms, surging waves and the deep chill.

The bad weather is expected to continue until Dec. 28, according to the Japan
Meteorological Agency, citing a winter pressure pattern with a severe cold air
mass spreading above the archipelago.

snow day ❄️ in japan pic.twitter.com/1hhYtpaQvA

— the will of D (@rifkyykf) December 27, 2021

The agency also warned that low-lying areas on the Pacific side of Japan could
experience heavy snow.

Over the 24-hour period through 2 p.m. on Dec. 26, Myoko in Niigata Prefecture
recorded the largest single-day snowfall of 82 centimeters, followed by 72 cm
in Daisen, Tottori Prefecture, and 69 cm in Minakami, Gunma Prefecture.

Tokyo also had a light dusting, the season’s first, early on Dec. 26, the
agency said. It occurred 17 days earlier than in 2020 and eight days earlier
than an average year.

Japan Airlines Co. canceled 22 flights from airports in Hokkaido and Niigata
Prefecture on Dec. 26.

With information from asahi.com